Shipping Policy
Last Updated: May 2025
This Shipping Policy ("Policy") outlines the terms and conditions governing the shipment of wine products ("Products") by MC Export Australia (ABN: 36623659012) ("MC Export Australia," "we," "us," or "our") to our business-to-business customers and partners ("Customer," "you," or "your"), and the receipt of shipments from our suppliers ("Supplier," "you," or "your"). This Policy forms part of our broader Terms and Conditions of Trade.
1. Scope and Applicability
This Policy applies to all international and domestic shipments of Products handled by or on behalf of MC Export Australia. As a B2B wine importer and exporter, we facilitate complex logistical arrangements for bulk and wholesale orders.
2. International Commercial Terms (Incoterms® 2020)
All international shipments are governed by the International Commercial Terms (Incoterms® 2020) rules, which define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers for the delivery of goods under sales contracts. The specific Incoterm® for your order will be clearly stated on your Proforma Invoice, Sales Confirmation, or Purchase Order. Common Incoterms® we may use include, but are not limited to:Ex Works (EXW): Customer/Buyer is responsible for all costs and risks from our premises.Free On Board (FOB): Supplier/Seller delivers goods onboard the vessel nominated by the buyer at the named port of shipment. Risk passes at this point.Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF): Supplier/Seller pays for costs and freight to bring the goods to the named port of destination. Seller also buys insurance for the buyer. Risk passes when goods are onboard the vessel.Delivered At Place (DAP): Supplier/Seller delivers goods at the named place of destination, ready for unloading, but is not responsible for unloading or import customs clearance/duties. Risk passes at the named place of destination.Delivered Duty Paid (DDP): Supplier/Seller delivers the goods cleared for import at the named place of destination, ready for unloading. The seller bears all risks and costs, including duties, taxes, and other charges.Your specific Incoterm® selection dictates who is responsible for shipping costs, insurance, customs clearance, duties, and when the risk of loss or damage transfers.
3. Order Processing and Lead Times
3.1. Processing:Orders will typically be processed within [e.g., 5-10] Business Days from the date of Order confirmation and receipt of any required upfront payments. This time allows for necessary documentation, quality checks, and preparation for shipment.For custom orders or large volumes, processing times may vary and will be communicated at the time of Order confirmation.
3.2. Estimated Delivery Times:Delivery times are estimates only and are subject to various factors beyond our control, including carrier schedules, weather conditions, port congestion, customs clearance procedures, and unforeseen delays.MC Export Australia will provide an estimated time of arrival (ETA) based on carrier information, but we do not guarantee delivery by a specific date.
4. Shipping Methods and Carriers
4.1. Method:We primarily use sea freight for wine shipments due to cost-effectiveness and temperature stability. Air freight may be arranged for smaller, urgent, or high-value shipments upon specific request and at an additional cost.All shipments will be transported in temperature-controlled containers where necessary and feasible to preserve Product quality.
4.2. Carriers:MC Export Australia partners with reputable international and domestic logistics providers and freight forwarders. The choice of carrier will depend on the destination, Incoterms®, and nature of the shipment.We will provide tracking information where available.
5. Shipping Costs
Shipping costs are highly variable and depend on factors such as Incoterm®, volume, weight, destination, chosen shipping method, and prevailing freight rates.For Customers, shipping costs will be itemised and included in your Proforma Invoice or Sales Confirmation based on the agreed Incoterms®.For Suppliers, shipping costs will be handled as per the agreed purchase order and Incoterms®.
6. Customs, Duties, Taxes, and Import/Export Compliance
6.1. Responsibility:Unless DDP Incoterms® are specified, the Customer is solely responsible for all import duties, taxes (e.g., GST/VAT/consumption tax), customs brokerage fees, inspection charges, and any other levies or charges imposed by the destination country's authorities.For exports from Australia or Vietnam, MC Export Australia will handle all necessary export declarations and comply with relevant export regulations.For imports into Australia or Vietnam, MC Export Australia will handle all necessary import declarations and comply with relevant import regulations.
6.2. Documentation:MC Export Australia will provide standard shipping documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading/air waybills.Customers are responsible for providing all necessary permits, licenses, and documentation required for the lawful import of alcohol into their destination country (e.g., import permits, alcohol licenses, health certificates specific to their jurisdiction).Suppliers are responsible for providing all necessary documentation for export from their country, including certificates of origin (e.g., for Free Trade Agreement benefits), health certificates, and quality assurances.
6.3. Compliance with Alcohol Regulations:All parties must comply with the strict alcohol import and export regulations of Australia, Vietnam, and all relevant transit and destination countries. This includes, but is not limited to, age restrictions, licensing, labelling requirements, and quantity limits.MC Export Australia does not take responsibility for Products seized or delayed by customs due to the Customer's or Supplier's failure to comply with local regulations.
6.4. International Agreements (e.g., AANZFTA):MC Export Australia strives to leverage benefits from international trade agreements, such as the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), where applicable, to facilitate smoother customs processes and potential tariff reductions. Eligibility for such benefits often requires specific documentation (e.g., Certificate of Origin).
7. Risk of Loss or Damage
The point at which risk of loss or damage to the Products transfers from MC Export Australia to the Customer (or from Supplier to MC Export Australia) is determined by the agreed Incoterm® specified in the Order confirmation or purchase order.Unless otherwise agreed, the Customer is strongly advised to arrange adequate marine cargo insurance for international shipments, as MC Export Australia's responsibility for loss or damage ceases upon transfer of risk as per the agreed Incoterm®.
8. Inspection Upon Delivery
8.1. Customer's Responsibility:Upon receipt of any shipment, the Customer or their appointed agent must immediately and thoroughly inspect the Products for any visible damage, shortages, or discrepancies before signing the delivery receipt.Any visible damage or shortages must be clearly noted on the carrier's delivery receipt/Bill of Lading at the time of delivery.Claims for damage, shortages, or non-conformity must be reported to MC Export Australia in writing within three (3) Business Days of delivery, accompanied by photographic evidence and details recorded on the delivery receipt. Failure to do so may result in the rejection of your claim.
8.2. Supplier's Responsibility (upon delivery to MC Export Australia):Suppliers must ensure Products are appropriately packaged for international transit to prevent damage during shipment.MC Export Australia will inspect goods upon receipt and notify the Supplier of any damage, shortages, or non-conformity within a reasonable timeframe.
9. Refused Shipments
If a shipment is refused by the Customer or cannot be delivered due to the Customer's failure to comply with import regulations, provide necessary documentation, or make required payments (e.g., duties, taxes), the Customer will be responsible for all associated costs, including return shipping, re-importation charges (if applicable), and any penalties incurred. MC Export Australia reserves the right to charge the Customer for the full value of the Products if they cannot be returned or re-delivered.
10. Amendments
MC Export Australia reserves the right to amend this Shipping Policy at any time. The updated policy will be posted on our Website, and the "Last Updated" date will be revised.
11. Contact Us
For any questions or specific inquiries regarding our Shipping Policy, please contact us: